Today we’d like to introduce you to Bradford Maxfield
Hi Bradford, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My roots as a creator began in El Paso, TX.
It all started with Kiki’s in El Paso—literally. My mom ate there the night before both my brother and I were born. So, in a way, you could say I have green chicken enchiladas running through my veins. But I digress—fast forward to my youth, and you’d find me skateboarding all over town with my best friend Landon Gillett (shoutout to his dentistry office in Austin—Moon Tower Dental!) while growing up with Mexico’s embrace in my backyard. The blend of Latin culture, skateboarding, and my love for video games deeply shaped my upbringing, and to this day, those influences continue to inform my ideas and artistic approach.
El Paso is ingrained in me—from the food to the people to the unique dynamics of a border town. I’m proud of my roots and the way they’ve shaped me as an artist.
Throughout my life, I’ve explored many creative paths. I originally set out to design video games in college, only to realize it wasn’t for me. That led me to the worlds of advertising and design, where I honed my skills, learned the art of client relationships, and discovered just how far I could push my creativity. One of my favorite chapters was working in the fashion industry for the local brand Consuela, where I wore many hats—each one stretching my artistic limits in new ways. That experience ultimately gave me the confidence to launch Estudio Bradlio and step fully into my career as an entrepreneurial artist in 2013.
It’s been a wild ride, to say the least, full of challenges, growth, and full-circle moments. And the journey is still unfolding.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I can’t imagine any artist’s journey being completely smooth—mine certainly hasn’t been. But honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Challenges are just opportunities in disguise. Every obstacle refines my process, and I always ask myself: Was I steadfast like a rock in the river of life, or did I flow with the current? Life gives you Blessons—it’s either a blessing or a lesson.
One of my biggest struggles has been avoiding being pigeonholed into one particular style. As I evolve, I want the freedom to explore new techniques, mediums, and ideas without being boxed into what people expect. It’s a delicate balance between having a recognizable artistic identity and allowing room for creative growth.
Another challenge is balancing the business side of being an artist with actually making art. Managing client relationships, marketing, logistics, and finances—all while keeping my creativity alive—is an ongoing challenge, but one I’ve learned to navigate with intention.
Then there’s translating what’s in my head into something others understand. Selling a concept—especially one that’s deeply personal or conceptual—requires clear communication, which can be time-consuming. Thankfully, my advertising background helps me present ideas cohesively, but it’s still a process.
And of course, my work itself is intricate. My detailed illustrations and layered designs take time, and conveying that to clients unfamiliar with the creative process can be challenging. Not to mention, the market has its natural highs and lows, so maintaining momentum through slow seasons requires resilience.
And, of course, the biggest challenge of all—growing up… but not too much.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I create art because it’s both fun and challenging—I love solving visual problems. It’s what I was born to do, and I couldn’t imagine dedicating my time to anything else. Art isn’t just something I make; it’s a way of life, the lens through which I see the world. I’ve always viewed things differently, questioning perspectives and exploring alternative ways to see and interpret my surroundings.
Growing up, skateboarding and video games were huge influences on my artistic journey. Skaters often become street and visual artists because skateboarding itself is an art form—it’s about seeing the world as your playground. Every curb, ramp, or ledge is an opportunity to create movement, flow, and expression. It requires visualization, problem-solving, and fearlessness—qualities that translate seamlessly into creating visual art, especially site-specific work. Skateboarding culture is a fusion of art, branding, sticker design, engineering, and woodworking. In fact, building ramps is where I first learned to construct wooden layered sculptures. The process of visualizing and executing a trick—seeing how my body and board interact with the terrain—taught me how to envision and complete creative projects. At its core, it’s about overcoming fear and pushing boundaries.
Video games also played a big role in shaping my creative process. Game designers tap into unique ideas and philosophies that captivate and inspire. Early games had limited technology, yet artists maximized their creativity through innovation. I bring that same spirit into my work—embracing new tools, techniques, and materials to challenge myself and evolve. That constant drive to learn and grow is what fuels me.
As an artist, I’m lighthearted—I find joy in the little things. I dance when no one is looking (and even when they are). My art invites you to immerse yourself in the composition, to swim through the details because each one is intentional. I use bold colors, movement, and depth to evoke emotion, so your heart beats in sync with the soul of the piece.
Today, being an artist comes with the responsibility of reflecting the times and reminding our communities that even the smallest touch of color can bring us together. The way colors blend or the shape of a motif can stir something deep within us—something unexplainable, yet powerful. Is it magic? Or is it simply the essence of what art is meant to do? I create with love, intention, and inclusion, hoping those values resonate with the viewer.
My work is known for its positivity, bold use of color, detailed illustrations, pattern work, layering, and typography. I specialize in transforming spaces through interior design, branding, collaboration, and large-scale murals, often incorporating multidimensional wood sculptures. Many of my projects bring these elements together in ways that fit like a puzzle when it’s all said and done.
Some of the projects I’m most proud of pushed my skills and tenacity to the next level. I curated and created branding and art for a three-level “Castle Grill” café for Facebook, an ambitious undertaking that tested my artistic range. Some of my favorite collaborations have been with my talented friend Christin Atkinson (@saekart). Together, we form Pretty Much Yeah, and our work blends our unique artistic styles into something greater than the sum of its parts. One of our most notable projects was painting the Instagrammable moment for the Moody Center’s Resonate mural of Austin’s own Willie Nelson. Another unforgettable experience was creating The Power of Love—a 10,000 sqft mural during the dark days of the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing color and hope when it was needed most. Designing and painting the Yin/Yang Twins, two wrap-around elemental dragons for a ceremony room at Aubrey Marcus’s ranch, pushed our artistry into new dimensions.
What sets me apart is my go big or go home mindset, my unwavering positivity, and my ability to follow my intuition. I trust the process, embrace challenges, and always push myself to new creative heights.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are many ways to collaborate, support, or work with me, and I’m always open to new creative opportunities! Here are a few ways that come to mind:
One of my favorite ways to collaborate is on large-scale or technically challenging projects with bigger budgets. These types of projects often come with longer timelines and more room to push creative boundaries. They allow me to experiment with different processes, materials, and techniques—like specialty paints, lighting, fabrication methods, or even working alongside other professionals to bring a vision to life. Time, resources, and planning make a huge difference in turning nuanced, cohesive ideas into stunning, fully realized works of art. That’s why I love teaming up with people who see the value in bold, well-executed artistic expressions.
At the same time, I love mixing it up—shifting from large murals to private commissions for collectors. Art is such a unique energy exchange, and creating custom pieces for people who truly resonate with my work is always a rewarding experience. Whether it’s a mural, a multilayered wooden sculpture, furniture, or framed artwork, I enjoy seeing the joy on people’s faces when they receive their custom piece. It’s humbling to know that my work becomes a part of someone’s home and life. If my work speaks to you, I’d love to create something special for you. And if nothing else, sharing my work with others through word of mouth is one of the best ways to support!
I also love working with brands and businesses that align with my artistic vision. Whether it’s transforming a space, designing limited-edition products, or visually telling a company’s story, I’m always excited to merge my creativity with new industries. If you have a brand, company, or project that could use a fresh, vibrant artistic touch, let’s connect and create something truly impactful.
Beyond creating, I’d love to share my knowledge and experiences with other artists. Teaching workshops, speaking at events, or even offering mentorship opportunities are things I’d love to do more of. Whether it’s talking about creative techniques, the business side of art, or how to carve out a unique path in the art world, I’m always open to opportunities to educate and inspire.
Another way to support is through licensing my artwork for products, apparel, or creative collaborations. I love seeing my art take on new forms, whether it’s through fashion, home décor, album covers, or unique brand partnerships. I also offer prints of select pieces, making it easy for art lovers to collect my work in an accessible way.
I’ve also gathered a lot of experience navigating the art world, branding, and entrepreneurship. I’d love to explore creative consulting and public speaking opportunities—helping businesses, organizations, or fellow artists refine their creative visions, develop branding strategies, or execute large-scale projects successfully.
Bringing art into community spaces—schools, hospitals, or public areas—is something I feel deeply passionate about. I’d love to work with grant writers and organizations to start initiatives that fund public art projects, curate spaces, and pay local artists to create work that honors the history and culture of their neighborhoods. It would be amazing to see more art in places that need a little color and revitalization.
And, of course, a dream of mine is to travel and paint around the world. I’d love to participate in an artist-in-residency program, immerse myself in different cultures, and use that time to explore and elevate my craft.
At the heart of it all, my purpose is to spread joy and inspire. That’s what drives me. Meeting incredible people along this journey has been a gift, and I’m grateful to be able to do what I love for a living. If you or someone you know wants to collaborate, commission a piece, or simply support in any way—hit me up, spread the word, and let’s make something amazing together!
Pricing:
- Custom Murals & Large-Scale Artwork – Pricing varies based on size, complexity, and materials. Small murals: $10,000+ Medium murals: $20,000+ Large murals or highly detailed projects: $35,000+
- Custom Commissions – Starts at $5,000 for framed artwork or smaller pieces. Multilayered wooden sculptures, furniture, and other specialty projects are priced based on materials and complexity.
- Brand Identity & Design – Starts at $13,000 (Includes logo design, typography, color palette, and full brand identity system.)
- Consulting & Creative Direction – Available upon request. (Includes branding consultation, design strategy, and creative project guidance.)
- Collaborations & Licensing – Open to discussions for brands, businesses, and creative partnerships.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bradfordmaxfield.com
- Instagram: @bradlio1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estudiobradlio
